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What’s on our mind? You can read about it in our blog. Whether it’s ideas from the industry or emerging trends, you can read about it here. And once in a while, we may throw in a movie review or some other surprise. So, keep checking in. We’re glad to have you reading along.

Please feel free to contact us if you would like to have us write something on a topic important to you. 

Thursday, September 21, 2023

As some anticipated, the Federal Reserve held interest rates steady at its September policy meeting. The Fed had raised its benchmark federal funds rate at their July 2023 meeting to a range between 5.25% and 5.5%, a 22-year high. Fed Chair

Tuesday, September 12, 2023

Social Security, the program you may have spent a lifetime paying into, is designed to offer stability, supplemental income, and other valuable benefits that can play a role in your overall financial strategy after you retire. We've...

Tuesday, September 5, 2023

If you ask the average investor which month is the most volatile for the stock market, they will probably say October. It's a reasonable answer, but it's incorrect. Despite October's reputation for market-defining events like the...

Tuesday, August 22, 2023

As financial professionals, we understand how vital it is to safeguard your personal and financial information. Unfortunately, in our increasingly digital world, cybersecurity risks, such as phishing attacks, have become a prevalent...

Monday, August 14, 2023

Retirement is the culmination of decades of financial decisions, and the unfortunate truth is that some of those decisions aren’t always good. This is exceedingly common, in fact. At present, millions of Americans are making...

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Monday, August 7, 2023

Recently, you may have seen some headlines talking about an “inverted yield curve” and what it may mean for the economy.  An inverted yield curve is just one indicator of the economy’s possible direction, so...

Monday, August 7, 2023

You’ve done a great job teaching your children vital life lessons and instilling values that will last a lifetime. As summer ends and a new school year begins, one thing that shouldn’t be overlooked, especially for...

Tuesday, August 1, 2023

Changes are coming to the complicated form that students must submit to qualify for college financial aid, known as the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The Department of Education is calling it the “most...

Tuesday, July 25, 2023

IntroductionOver the last several months, I have met with quite a few self-proclaimed do-it-yourself (DIY) investors who, after struggling with the markets in 2022, approached me asking for a second opinion. Interestingly, almost every...

Tuesday, July 11, 2023

Changes to 529 plans in the SECURE 2.0 ActThe SECURE Act was initially passed by Congress at the end of 2019 and was intended to improve retirement savings opportunities. It was a big deal at the time and the most significant piece of...

Thursday, June 22, 2023

Getting your affairs in order and outlining what you want done with your estate after you’re gone is one of the greatest gifts you can leave your loved ones. However, not preparing for the transfer of your assets can lead to...

Wednesday, June 14, 2023

Senior care costs can be overwhelming, particularly when long-term care is required due to illness or medical conditions. With the number of seniors in the U.S. expected to rise exponentially by 2030, it's crucial to be prepared for...

Thursday, May 25, 2023

Estate management can be a complex and daunting task for many people, but it’s a critical step in helping your assets get managed and distributed according to your wishes.One popular tool that can be used in estate strategies is...

Wednesday, May 24, 2023

We strive to keep you regularly updated with important market changes and news.Please find the Market Analysis from Phil Blancato, Advisor Group’s Chief Market Strategist attached below. This update provides an overview of...

Thursday, May 11, 2023

Economies move in cycles – always have, always willThe Federal Reserve has been steadily increasing interest rates in an attempt to slow the rate of inflation. Its efforts are yielding some results, although inflation remains...

Friday, April 28, 2023

Fun fact: You probably have dozens of credit scores out there, and each one might be a different number.You’re probably familiar with a credit score, why it’s essential, and what it’s used for, but do you know how...

Monday, April 17, 2023

Discussing personal finances is important for any couple preparing for marriage. However, this topic can be more complicated for those who remarry later in life.If you’re remarrying later in life, one of your goals should be to...

Wednesday, April 12, 2023

As we get older, it’s important that our adult children are prepared to manage any aging-related situations that may arise. This includes everything from having to make medical and financial decisions to determining assisted...

Monday, March 20, 2023

When market volatility is headline news and account values start to fall, it’s easy to understand why investors get jittery. Even with a boatload of historical data to support us, in times of stress we all struggle to overcome...

Monday, March 20, 2023

Every parent wants the best for their children and strives to prepare them to lead a happy, healthy, and successful life. But, despite understanding the importance of financial responsibility, only 28 percent of parents speak to their...

Monday, March 6, 2023

Transitioning from Private Health Insurance Plans to MedicareAs you approach retirement age, you may be anticipating transitioning from your private insurance to Medicare, which is a federal health insurance program that provides...

Thursday, March 2, 2023

If you were planning the vacation of a lifetime, say an African Safari, would you just buy a plane ticket and hope for the best? No, you would not. Why? Because such a once in a lifetime experience requires planning. It requires...

Monday, February 27, 2023

Rate Concerns Weigh on StocksStocks opened last week higher on investor hopes that a continued cooling in inflation might support a more dovish Fed. A higher-than-expected rise in the Consumer Price Index (CPI) and strong retail sales...

Wednesday, February 22, 2023

Growing concerns about further interest rate hikes, prompted by fresh economic data, reversed early-week gains and left stocks mixed for the week.The Dow Jones Industrial Average slipped 0.13%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500...

Wednesday, February 15, 2023

According to the Investment Company Institute, near the end of 2022, there was more than $4.7 trillion in cash sitting in U.S. money market funds.1,2While cash can play a role in a diversified portfolio, historically, cash has not kept...

Wednesday, February 8, 2023

By 2040, the U.S. Census Bureau estimates that 80 million people in the U.S. will be age 65 or older.1 Most of these senior adults will either want to—or need to—"age in place," living in their homes securely, independently...

Friday, February 3, 2023

With interest rates on the rise, it is important to consider the impact on your investment portfolio and make any necessary adjustments. Here are three key points to keep in mind:Consider bonds with shorter durations: As interest rates...

Wednesday, January 4, 2023

Here is an update on some significant changes designed to help Americans save more for retirement. You may have heard of the SECURE Act 2.0, which Congress passed as part of a larger federal spending bill last week.1 This legislation...

Friday, December 16, 2022

The energy topic has been central to many conversations during ongoing market volatility this year, and for a good reason. Oil and natural gas prices have fluctuated widely in recent years. Additionally, nearly every aspect of the...

Monday, October 24, 2022

As the economy continues to recover from the effects of the pandemic over the past year, you may have noticed the term ‘inflation’ coming up in the news. But don’t let it scare you! The fact is, some inflation is good...

Thursday, October 20, 2022

Breathtaking VolatilityAn above-consensus consumer inflation number sent stocks tumbling in early Thursday trading before inexplicably surging higher in a stunning reversal that saw the Dow Jones Industrial Average rally 1,500 points...

Monday, September 19, 2022

We strive to keep you regularly updated with important market changes and news. This special edition video from Phil Blancato, Advisor Group’s Chief Market Strategist, discusses Monday’s (9/13/22) update on inflation from...

Saturday, September 10, 2022

Recently, you may have seen some headlines talking about an “inverted yield curve” and what it may mean for the economy.  An inverted yield curve is just one indicator of the economy’s possible direction, so...

Tuesday, September 6, 2022

Now that September is here, it feels like summer is already in the rearview mirror. It went fast, didn’t it? Beginning with the autumnal equinox on the 22nd of the month, we’ll start to see the days grow shorter and the...

Tuesday, August 9, 2022

When market volatility is headline news and account values start to fall, it’s easy to understand why investors get jittery. Even with a boatload of historical data to support us, in times of stress we all struggle to overcome...

Thursday, August 4, 2022

We strive to keep you regularly updated with important market changes and news.Please listen to the most recent market update from Phil Blancato, Advisor Group’s Chief Market Strategist. This call discusses recent updates for the...

Tuesday, August 2, 2022

With half the year behind us, now is a great time to consider what the remainder of 2022 may hold. However, with inflation and economic uncertainty causing many of us to delay or cancel vacations, large purchases, and more, it can be...

Thursday, June 9, 2022

Few investors should have been surprised when the Federal Reserve raised interest rates after its May meeting.Throughout April, Fed Chair Jerome Powell and several Fed Governors talked about the need to keep raising short-term rates to...

Thursday, June 2, 2022

While it’s natural to look ahead to a leisurely retirement, it’s prudent to prepare for expenses that catch many retirees by surprise. In a recent survey, nearly one-third of retirees reported they faced at least four...

Tuesday, May 24, 2022

Few investors should have been surprised when the Federal Reserve raised interest rates after its May meeting.Throughout April, Fed Chair Jerome Powell and several Fed Governors talked about the need to keep raising short-term rates to...

Tuesday, May 17, 2022

Tuesday, May 3, 2022

On Friday, a sharp sell-off sent major stock market indices into negative territory for the week, capping a volatile close to April. The Dow Jones Industrial Average declined 2.47%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 tumbled 3.27%....

Monday, March 28, 2022

Monday, March 7, 2022

Friday, March 4, 2022

Friday, February 4, 2022

Wednesday, January 12, 2022

Friday, January 7, 2022

Tuesday, December 21, 2021

Thursday, December 16, 2021

Friday, November 5, 2021

To help raise revenue to pay for President Biden’s Build Back Better Plan, Congress is considering a number of tax law changes, including adjusting estate taxes.One of the proposals would reduce the estate tax exemption to...

Saturday, October 30, 2021

To help raise revenue to pay for President Biden’s Build Back Better Plan, Congress is considering a number of tax law changes, including adjusting estate taxes.One of the proposals would reduce the estate tax exemption to...

Thursday, October 28, 2021

On October 13, 2021, the Social Security Administration (SSA) officially announced that Social Security recipients will receive a 5.9 percent cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for 2022, the largest increase in four decades. This...

Tuesday, August 31, 2021

With overseas investments, we remind people that, “international markets carry additional risks, which include differences in financial reporting standards, currency exchange rates, political risk, foreign taxes and regulations...

Tuesday, August 3, 2021

With all the attention given to inflation, stock prices, and job reports, it’s been easy to overlook the remarkable move in the bond market during the past few months.The yield on the 10-year treasury closed at 1.37% on Friday,...

Friday, July 30, 2021

Overcoming a COVID-related economic growth scare, stocks moved higher amid a week of strong corporate earnings reports.The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 1.08%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 gained 1.96%. The Nasdaq...

Thursday, July 8, 2021

As the economy continues to recover from the effects of the pandemic over the past year, you may have noticed the term ‘inflation’ coming up in the news. But don’t let it scare you! The fact is, some inflation is...

Tuesday, June 1, 2021

The San Diego Padres signed infielder Fernando Tatis, Jr., to a 14-year, $340 million contract roughly one year after the Los Angeles Dodgers inked outfielder Mookie Betts to a 12-year, $365 million deal. That brings the total to 8...

Wednesday, May 19, 2021

When you change jobs, it’s critical to remember to create a plan for past employee sponsored retirement accounts. While you have the choice to simply leave it, you also have the option to consolidate past plans which brings all...

Monday, May 17, 2021

Clients and friends ask all the time where they should put their money. That’s a great question, and it would be even better if there were a one-size-fits-all answer. Unfortunately, though, market performance is fickle. The same...

Tuesday, April 6, 2021

When you have a major life event such as getting married, having a child, or buying a home, your financial situation and priorities may change. As your life changes, your financial decisions must stay in line with your goals, values,...

Friday, April 2, 2021

As an entrepreneur, you may have spent years learning your craft, developing your abilities and growing your business. In fact, it’s probably fair to say that by now, you’re an expert! But unless your business specializes in business...

Thursday, March 25, 2021

Preparing your taxes can be a real drag. It can feel like tax day looms over your spring! Well, fear not: the IRS has given you another month to file your taxes! The Treasury Department and Internal Revenue Service has announced that...

Monday, March 8, 2021

Contact us for copy he of the 5 Ways to Stay Confident in Retirement

Wednesday, March 3, 2021

We all love a good deal. We all love free stuff. But remember the adage: "You get what you pay for!" Reach us here: Contact Page

Tuesday, March 2, 2021

Stocks dropped amid rising long-term bond yields, with sharp declines in high-valuation growth stocks leading the overall market lower. The Dow Jones Industrial Average slipped 1.78%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 declined 2...

Monday, February 22, 2021

Each fall the Treasury Department announces inflation adjustments to tax-advantaged retirement accounts and income limits for the following tax year. They recently announced contribution limits and changes for the 2021 tax year. For...

Thursday, February 18, 2021

Clients and friends ask all the time where they should put their money. That’s a great question, and it would be even better if there were a one-size-fits-all answer. Unfortunately, though, market performance is fickle. The same...

Thursday, February 18, 2021

Do Not Make This COMMON Retirement Mistake! Going for growth is important BUT IT IS NOT THE ONLY thing you should do!

Friday, February 12, 2021

Chances are you’ve caught wind of recent market news involving Wall Street traders, GameStop, Reddit & Robinhood. Clients have reached out to us wondering if any of the related market volatility could impact their portfolios....

Tuesday, February 9, 2021

Though the U.S. still leads the global tally with over 25% of all confirmed COVID -19 cases, new daily case numbers are down as vaccinations ramp up to nearly one million doses being delivered per day. With a narrowly approved budget...

Monday, February 8, 2021

Investing in 2019 was fairly easy. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index (S&P) returned nearly 28% for the year with only a few bumps along the way. Today, however, we're faced with a very different market. More and more uncertainties...

Friday, February 5, 2021

The first week of 2021 has already had many ups and downs. Just because it’s a new year doesn’t mean that the 2020 issues go away, and so far, 2021 has been no exception to this rule. The markets opened on January 4 and...

Thursday, February 4, 2021

We strive to keep you regularly updated with important market changes and news.Please listen to the most recent market update from Phil Blancato, President and CEO of Ladenburg Thalmann Asset Management, a well-known name in the...

Wednesday, February 3, 2021

As we’ve seen, data breaches, such as the Russian-based SolarWinds attack that was announced late last year, can have major impact on online security. In light of these recent data breaches, we wanted to send along some tips to...